Verywell / Zorica Lakonic
Can you eat seeds when you’re following atree nut-free diet?
Many people with nut allergies wonder if they can enjoy sunflower, poppy,pumpkin, and sesame seeds.
Not only do they provide nutritional value, but the seeds are also similar in taste.
Verywell / Zorica Lakonic
These seeds come from plant families that are not closely related to nut-producing trees.
That means they may not have the same allergenic proteins thattree nutshave.
However, seed allergies can happen.
It’s also possible to be allergic to nuts and seeds.
As with other allergies, people can have serious reactions to seeds.
There are different kinds of seeds that you’re free to be allergic to.
Some are more likely to cause allergic reactions than others.
Some people may have alife-threatening allergic reactioncalledanaphylaxis.
Sesame seeds are becoming a common allergy in countries where a lot of people eat sesame-containing foods.
For example, sesame seed allergies are popping up in Israel and Australia wheretahini pasteis popular.
Poppy Seeds
Poppy seeds can cause severe allergic reactions.
Your risk is higher if you are allergic to tree nuts (especiallyhazelnuts) orpollen.
There are no sure estimates of how many people are allergic to poppy seeds.
However, it’s thought to be rarer than a sesame seed allergy.
Some reports have included anaphylactic reactions.
Overall, sunflower seed allergy gives the impression of rare.
Pumpkin Seeds
It’s possible to be allergic topumpkin seeds, but it’s extremely rare.
Recap
Overall, seed allergies are rare.
For example, some people breathed inmoldfrom contaminated seeds.
That’s why it’s important to be aware of what’s called cross-contamination in processing.
For example, some companies that make sunflower seed butter also make nut butter or peanut butter.
If you are looking for nut-free products, remember that cross-contamination in processing can happen.
Summary
Many people who are allergic to tree nuts enjoy seeds as an alternative.
Sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, and poppy seeds can add nutrition and variety to a nut-free diet.
However, it’s possible to be allergic to tree nuts and seeds.
While seed allergies are rare, they do happen.
As with other allergies, they can also be serious.
A Word From Verywell
While they are not very common, reports of seed allergies are rising.
Sesame seed allergies are becoming more common.
If you have other allergieseven non-food allergiesask them if seeds are a safe choice for you.
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